Phil government to continue research on Golden Rice

On Thursday (15 Aug), anti-GMO groups uprooted golden rice plants at the pilot research site in Camarines Sur, Philippines. After assessing the situation over the weekend, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) deputy director for Communications and Partnership, said that rice field trial will continue. 

Golden rice is a new variety which contains beta carotene. The research, sponsored by the Philippine government, is part of a bigger design to help address vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. Other leading nutrition and agricultural research organisations are taking part in this project.

Global scientific community expresses outrage

Reacting to the ruin of golden rice pilot research site, the global scientific community, consisting of

more than 2,000 academics, scientists and supporters of plant biotechnology signed an open letter condemning the destruction.

“The global scientific community condemns the destruction of the Philippine Department of Agriculture’s Golden Rice trials,” said Dr. C.S. Prakash, one of the letter’s sponsors and a professor of plant genetics. “It is an unconscionable criminal act to destroy research being conducted in accordance with international safety norms.”

The letter noted that regulatory systems around the world mandate the thorough testing of new GM crops to ensure there are no unintended, harmful effects either from their cultivation or their consumption. The destroyed research was part of controlled tests being conducted by the IRRI and the Philippine Department of Agriculture.Air Jordan IV 4 Running Shoes